Do Food Expiration Dates Matter? Uncover the Truth

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At some point, everyone must confront their fears. For me, this means looking into Expiration Dates. Do I really need to throw food away by the date on the package or the use-by date on meat? If not, how long can I keep it before it goes bad? And what exactly does “going bad” mean? Is it unsafe?

Some people fear snakes, others are afraid of heights, but for me, it’s spoiled food. While I know my worry might not be entirely rational, I wonder if it’s something I should be concerned about.

1. Expiration Dates Are Not Legally Required

I thought there were strict rules about expiration dates, but that’s not true. The USDA says the federal government doesn’t require expiration dates on food. However, some states do have rules about dating, especially for infant formula.

2. Different Dates Mean Different Things

“Sell-by,” “Best if used by,” and “Use-by” dates have similar but slightly different meanings. They aren’t safety dates for food (except for infant formula) but are about quality.

A “Sell-by” date tells retailers when to move products off the shelves.

A “Best if used by” date shows when the food is at its best quality, but it won’t be unsafe after that date.

3. How Long Can Food Last After the Expiration Date?

A “Use-by” date is the last day the manufacturer suggests using the product for best quality, not safety.

How long Food lasts after the expiration date depends on what it is and how it’s been stored. The USDA advises using products by their “Use-by” date. For “Sell-by” dates, you can often use the food for a short time after that date. For example, ground meat and poultry are good for 1 to 2 days past the date, beef for 3 to 5 days, and eggs for 3 to 5 weeks.

To check if food is still safe, use your nose. If raw chicken or milk smells off after the date, it’s probably bad. Otherwise, keep food in its original packaging or use a good labeling system to track dates and ensure freshness.

4. Can Food Lose Its Nutritional Value Before It Expires?

It depends on the food. For example, a cup of orange juice can give you a full day’s worth of vitamin C. But after it’s been open for a week, it starts to lose its vitamin C due to exposure to air and light, even before the expiration date.

Some foods do lose nutrients when they are exposed to air, and cooking can also reduce their nutritional value. Try to eat fresh fruits and vegetables soon after buying them, but don’t worry too much about minor nutrient losses.

5. Is Food Safe to Eat After Its Expiration Date?

Expiration dates are about quality, not safety. For example, if a refrigerated product has been stored below 40°F and is well packaged, it might look and smell a bit odd but still be safe to eat. However, if the food was left out at room temperature for hours or contaminated, it could have harmful bacteria and be unsafe.

Perishable foods should never be thawed on the counter for more than 2 hours because the outside of the food can enter the “Danger Zone,” where bacteria grow quickly.

This also means you shouldn’t eat meat, poultry, eggs, or sliced fruits and vegetables that have been left out for more than 2 hours (or 1 hour if it’s over 90°F). These issues are related to handling, not expiration dates.

In Conclusion

Some states require expiration dates on food, and there are rules for infant formula, but the federal government doesn’t require them. A “Sell-by” date is meant for stores, while a “Best if used by” date shows when the food is at its best quality, not when it becomes unsafe.

Properly stored food lasts longer and stays safer to eat. To check if food is going bad, it’s best to look at it and smell it, rather than just relying on the expiration date.